Ahhh, a 617.
It does not matter where the IP/Vacuum pump gear is when you connect either of them up. It has a splined shaft on the backside for the IP.
Don't confuse the pin on the dampener with the TDC or timing mark. They are not the same.
This is the crank at TDC:
When inserting the IP, rotate the crank to 24 degrees before TDC. Rotate the shaft on the IP until the missing spline lines up with the mark. Put the splined coupler in the IP and insert it into the back of the block so that the studs coming out of the block are midway in the slots on the IP so you can adjust the IP either way.